Lead Flight Director — Real-Time Space Missions

NASA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

NASA Johnson Space Center seeks skilled Flight Directors to plan, direct and control real-time mission operations with a multi-discipline team, ensuring safety and success of human spaceflight programs. This role requires leadership, deep mission-systems expertise, and the ability to manage risk in a high-stress, real-time environment.

Lead a flight operations team, develop objectives and flight plans, and certify readiness for complex spaceflight activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, mathematics, or computer science.
• ABET-accredited programs preferred for engineering degrees.
• Experience leading mission operations and risk management in real-time environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a flight operations team and make high-stakes decisions affecting crew and assets.
• Develop mission objectives and flight plans per programmatic constraints.
• Certify flight readiness by evaluating team performance and system status.
• Coordinate with programs, safety, astronauts, and international/commercial partners.
• Direct training and evaluate operational performance for real-time execution.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Mission operations

Real-time decision making

Expertise in mission systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physical Science, Mathematics, or Computer Science

Job description

NASA Johnson Space Center seeks skilled Flight Directors to plan, direct and control real-time mission operations with a multi-discipline team, ensuring safety and success of human spaceflight programs. This role requires leadership, deep mission-systems expertise, and the ability to manage risk in a high-stress, real-time environment.

Lead a flight operations team, develop objectives and flight plans, and certify readiness for complex spaceflight activities.